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High lithium stocks weigh on Orocobre H1 outlook

Lithium prices will remain under pressure for the first half of 2020, Australian miner Orocobre said, reporting a nearly 50% drop in its lithium carbonate prices.

February 3, 2020
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By William Clarke

Insights
Rusal suspends all bauxite operations in Guyana on continued unrest

Russian aluminium producer UC Rusal is suspending the operation of its Bauxite Company of Guyana (BCGI) business in Guyana on “serious illegitimate actions” but will continue to obtain bauxite supply from its other mines, it said on Monday February 3.

February 3, 2020
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Insights
HOTTER ON METALS: Coronavirus adds to longer-term commodities concerns

History shows that crises such as the Wuhan coronavirus have a relatively short-lived impact on global financial markets. Commodities such as soybeans, metals and paper have longer-term issues to worry about.

February 3, 2020
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By Generic people page

Insights
FOCUS: China virus sell-off a sign of ‘worse to come’ for steel markets

The sell-off of Chinese steel futures this morning is a sign that “worse is to come” for global steel prices, market sources told Fastmarkets on Monday February 3.

February 3, 2020
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By Generic people page

Insights
PRICING NOTICE: Launch of daily cobalt price assessments

Fastmarkets MB today launched daily publication for its benchmark price assessments for standard and alloy-grade cobalt, in-whs Rotterdam.

February 3, 2020
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By Generic people page

Insights
MORNING VIEW: SHFE base metals down by average of 4.8% as prices catch up after holiday

While markets in China catch up after more than a week of holiday, most base metals prices on the London Metal Exchange are rebounding because China’s sell-off has not been as severe as feared.

February 3, 2020
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By Generic people page

Insights
LIVE FUTURES REPORT 03/02: SHFE base metals sell off as participants return from holiday; Cu plummets 6.3%

Base metals prices on the Shanghai Futures Exchange were all down heavily at close of morning trading on Monday February 3, the first trading day after China’s extended Lunar New Year holiday.

February 3, 2020
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By Karen Ng

Insights
FOCUS: Chinese alloy smelters mull output cuts amid coronavirus outbreak

Some silico-manganese producers in northern China may consider curtailing their alloy output in the coming weeks if they continue to be unable to transport ore from port to plant because of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, market sources have told Fastmarkets.

February 1, 2020
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By Generic people page

Insights
Base metals’ reaction suggests Wuhan virus may differ to SARS outbreak

Base metals prices have reacted quite aggressively to the spread of the coronavirus, more so than most equity markets, leaving markets sending out different signals. While it is too early to say how this will unfold, here are some early concerns and observations.

January 31, 2020
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By Generic people page

Insights
BATTERY RAW MATERIALS MARKET REPORT 31/01: Cobalt hydroxide prices jump in January following continued steady buying

An overview of the battery raw materials markets and their price moves from the past week.

January 31, 2020
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By Generic people page

Insights

Top stories across markets

Correction to cobalt alloy grade, in-whs Rotterdam price

Fastmarkets has corrected its rationale for MB-CO-0004 – Cobalt alloy grade, in-whs Rotterdam, $/lb, which was published incorrectly on Friday May 27 due to an error.

May 30, 2022

By: Justin Yang

Electric light trails connecting destinations on a mountain road from a bird's eye view

Graphite prices show resilience amid growing demand-side concerns

Covid-19 lockdowns in China together with the geopolitical impact of the Ukraine-Russia war continue to dampen demand for EVs battery raw materials such as graphite; logistical issues and high container costs are also creating supply-side concerns

May 30, 2022

By: William Adams

Chinese cobalt sulfate continues to weaken, this time taking cobalt hydroxide with it

Constrained EV demand causes further Chinese cobalt sulfate price weakness, which has started to push hydroxide payables lower, despite additional supply issues affecting exports from southern Africa

May 30, 2022

7 things we learned at Fastmarkets’ Singapore Steel Forum

The 2022 Singapore Steel Forum, located in the plush surroundings of the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel, provided the ideal setting for market participants to discuss the hottest steel topics of the day last week

May 27, 2022

By: Lee Allen

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